How to Spot the Unhealthy Friendship

Friendships are a significant piece of a kid's life. However, not all friendships are healthy, and neither are all friendships created equal. Your child may experience anxiety, stress, and confusion as a result of certain friendships. However, children frequently have difficulty recognizing the potential harm these relationships can cause. Even some adults are unable to distinguish between a child's friend and a foe.

It is essential to be able to recognize the warning signs and know how to intervene if you have reason to believe that your child or teen is involved in an unhealthy friendship.

Why Friendships Are So Important?

Everyone, especially children and teenagers, wants to feel like they belong. Your child will feel more connected to the world if they have healthy friendships. Research has demonstrated that maintaining healthy friendships is beneficial to one's overall health and well-being. Children who have strong friendships throughout their childhood and adolescence are more likely to have positive self-esteem and social skills. Additionally, they can provide emotional support.

Symptoms of an Unhealthy Friendships

Pay Attention to the Feelings- If your child's friendship makes you feel uneasy but you are unable to pinpoint the cause, pay attention to your feelings. They might be trying to convey something to you that hasn't come to light yet.

Negative or Mean Behaviour- There are times when unhealthy friendships involve negative or mean behaviour. For example, your kid's companion might be excessively critical or talk badly to others. Additionally, they may laugh and make fun of other people's appearance, behaviour, or attire. They might try and depend on putting down and scorning your youngster before others or take advantage of their liberality and altruism.

There is a Power Imbalance- Healthy friendships require cooperation and collaboration, but unhealthy friendships rarely exhibit these characteristics. All things being equal, you are probably going to see a companion who likes to be the one in control and pursue every one of the choices.

Contains Envy and Intensity- Envy is regularly present in unfortunate companionships. It's rare for unhealthy friendships to be supportive and encouraging, whether it's over a new toy or another friend. There is frequently an undercurrent of competitiveness, rather than an effort to recognize one another's accomplishments.

Includes Controlling Behaviour- You may notice changes in your child's self-esteem or confidence when they are in a toxic, controlling, or one-sided friendship. They might suddenly become more reserved and attempt to conceal their abilities or gifts. Alternately, they might appear unsure and look to their friend before making a choice.